Inner-sensor based pointing device

ABSTRACT

An inner-sensor based pointing device is presented. The pointing device includes a central housing having an aperture and a sleeve disposed surrounding a portion of the central housing, the sleeves rotatable about the portion of the central housing and slidable along a generally horizontal axis about the portion of the central housing. The pointing device further includes a sensor disposed in the central housing and aligned with the aperture, the sleeve positioned surrounding the sensor, wherein the sensor is capable of detecting rotational movement of the sleeve relative to the central housing and wherein the sensor is capable of detecting axial movement of the sleeve relative to the central housing. Additionally, the pointing device has a circuit in communication with the sensor, the circuit disposed within the central housing, the circuit capable of transmitting data to a computer regarding the movement of the sleeve.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority under35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/460,267, filed onAug. 14, 2014 entitled “INNER-SENSOR BASED POINTING DEVICE,” whichclaims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/960,909, filedDec. 6, 2010 entitled “INNER-SENSOR BASED POINTING DEVICE,” which claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/267,616, filed on Dec. 8, 2009 entitled “INNER-SENSOR BASEDPOINTING DEVICE,” which are all herein incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND

In computing, a pointing device functions by detecting two-dimensionalmotion relative to its supporting surface. The pointing device sometimesfeatures other elements, such as “wheels”, which allow the user toperform various system-dependent operations, or extra buttons orfeatures can add more control or dimensional input. The motion of thepointing device typically translates into the motion of a pointer on adisplay, which allows for fine control of a Graphical User interface(GUI). Typically these pointing devices utilize a “point and click”sequence of moving the cursor to the desired position and depressing abutton to select an action.

There are several different styles of pointing devices such as a mouse,trackball, joystick, touchpad and the like. A mouse is a pointing devicethat functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to itssupporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held underone of the user's hands, with one or more buttons. A mouse may sometimesfeatures other elements, such as “wheels”, which allow the user toperform various system-dependent operations, or extra buttons orfeatures that can add more control or dimensional input.

A trackball is a pointing device consisting of a ball held by a socketcontaining sensors to detect a rotation of the ball about two axes-likean upside-down mouse with an exposed protruding ball. The user rolls theball with the thumb, fingers, or the palm of the hand to move a cursor.Large tracker balls are common on graphical workstations for easyprecision.

A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on abuseand reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling.Joysticks are often used to control video games, and usually have one ormore push-buttons whose state can also be read by the computer.

A touchpad is a pointing device consisting of specialized surface thatcan translate the motion and position of a user's fingers to a relativeposition on screen. Touchpads are a common feature of laptop computersand also used as a substitute for a computer mouse where desk space isscarce. Touchpads can also be found on personal digital assistants(PDAs) and some portable media players, such as the iPod® using a clickwheel.

SUMMARY

Conventional mechanisms such as those explained above suffer from avariety of deficiencies. One such deficiency is that conventionalpointing devices require a predefined amount of desk space. A furtherdeficiency with conventional pointing devices is that the user's handsmust be removed from the keyboard to use the pointing device. Inaddition, injuries have been recorded based on reaching an awkwarddistance to access the mouse or positioning the mouse at an incorrectheight for ergonomic operation.

Embodiments of the invention significantly overcome such deficienciesand provide mechanisms and techniques that provide a pointing devicethat is controllable while the hands remain on the keyboard. Inaddition, the pointing device minimizes strain on wrist and shoulderwhile providing fast and precise positioning functions.

In a particular embodiment, a pointing device includes a central housingand a sleeve disposed surrounding a portion of the central housing,wherein the sleeve is rotatable about the portion of the central housingand wherein the sleeve is slidable along a generally horizontal axisabout the portion of the central housing. The pointing device furtherincludes a sensor disposed in the central housing, the sleeve positionedsurrounding the sensor, and wherein the sensor is capable of detectingmovement of the sleeve relative to the central housing. The pointingdevice additionally includes a circuit in communication with the sensor,the circuit capable of transmitting data to a computer regarding themovement of the sleeve.

Note that each of the different features, techniques, configurations,etc. discussed in this disclosure can be executed independently or incombination. Accordingly, the present invention can be embodied andviewed in many different ways.

Also, note that this summary section herein does not specify everyembodiment and/or incrementally novel aspect of the present disclosureor claimed invention. Instead, this summary only provides a preliminarydiscussion of different embodiments and corresponding points of noveltyover conventional techniques. For additional details, elements, and/orpossible perspectives (permutations) of the invention, the reader isdirected to the Detailed Description section and corresponding figuresof the present disclosure as further discussed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer tothe same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 comprises a diagram of an inner-sensor pointing device inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 comprises a transparent housing view of a portion of theinner-sensor pointing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 comprises a diagram of a carriage and roller assembly of theinner-sensor pointing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 comprises a diagram of the roller assembly of the inner sensorpointing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the roller assembly showing theinner-sensor;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an end portion of the rollerassembly and carriage;

FIG. 7 comprises a diagram of another pointing device in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 comprises a diagram of a sleeve of the pointing device inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 comprises a diagram of the central housing in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 comprises a diagram of the pointing device including a base inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 11 comprises a diagram of a cut-away view of a section of centralhousing showing certain internal mechanisms thereof in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12 comprises a diagram of a cut-away view of the central housingshowing certain internal mechanisms thereof in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13 comprises a diagram of an exploded view of the pointing devicein accordance with embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 14 a comprises a diagram of a an inner-sensor pointing deviceincluding a pair of flexures in accordance with embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 14 b comprises a diagram of a flexure of the inner-sensor pointingdevice in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 14 c comprises a cross-sectional view of the flexure of FIG. 14 b;

FIG. 15 a comprises a diagram of an embodiment of a pointing deviceincorporating a pair of leaf springs;

FIG. 15 b comprises a side view of the pointing device incorporating apair of leaf springs of FIG. 15 a;

FIG. 16A comprises a diagram of an embodiment of a pointing deviceincorporating a pair of solenoids;

FIG. 16 b comprises a side view of the pointing device incorporating apair of solenoids of FIG. 16 a;

FIG. 16 c comprises a cross-sectional side view of the pointing deviceincorporating a pair of solenoids of FIG. 16 a;

FIG. 16 d comprises a view of the pointing device incorporating a pairof solenoids of FIG. 16 a including a cover;

FIG. 17 a comprises a view of the pointing device incorporating a pairof leaf springs and switches;

FIG. 17 b comprises a side view of the pointing device incorporating apair of leaf springs and switches of FIG. 17 a;

FIG. 18 a comprises a view of a first embodiment of a keyboard tray withan integral pointing device;

FIG. 18 b comprises a view of a second embodiment of a keyboard traywith an integral pointing device;

FIG. 19 a comprises a view of a first embodiment of a keyboard tray withan integral pointing device and wrist support assembly;

FIG. 19 b comprises a view of a second embodiment of a keyboard traywith an integral pointing device and wrist support assembly;

FIG. 20 a comprises a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of aninner-sensor based pointing device;

FIG. 20 b comprises a cross-sectional view of a left hand portion of theinner-sensor based pointing device of FIG. 20 a;

FIG. 20 c comprises a cross-sectional view of a center portion of theinner-sensor based pointing device of FIG. 20 a;

FIG. 20 d comprises a cross-sectional view of a right hand portion ofthe inner-sensor based pointing device of FIG. 20 a;

FIG. 21 comprises an isometric view of the inner-sensor pointing deviceof FIG. 20 a;

FIG. 22 a comprises a cross-sectional view of a keyboard platformassembly having keyboard platform risers in a closed position;

FIG. 22 b comprises a cross-sectional view of a keyboard platformassembly having keyboard platform risers in an open position;

FIG. 23 a comprises an isometric view of a keyboard platform riser in aclosed position;

FIG. 23 b comprises an isometric view of a keyboard platform riser in anopen position;

25 FIG. 23 c comprises an isometric bottom view of the keyboard platformriser of FIG. 23 a;

FIG. 23 d comprises an isometric bottom view of the keyboard platformriser having a first end in a closed position and a second end in anopen position;

FIG. 23 e comprises an isometric bottom view of the keyboard platformriser having a first end in an open position and a second end in an openand extended position;

FIG. 24 a comprises a side view of a keyboard platform having front andrear keyboard platform risers in a closed position;

FIG. 24 b comprises a side view of a keyboard platform having frontkeyboard platform risers in a closed position and rear keyboard riser inan open position;

FIG. 24 c comprises a side view of a keyboard platform having frontkeyboard platform risers in a closed position and rear keyboard riser inan open and extended position;

FIG. 24 d comprises a side view of a keyboard platform having frontkeyboard platform risers in an open position and rear keyboard riser ina closed position;

FIG. 24 e comprises a side view of a keyboard platform having frontkeyboard platform risers in an open position and rear keyboard riser inan open position; and

FIG. 24 f comprises a side view of a keyboard platform having frontkeyboard platform risers in an open position and rear keyboard riser inan open and extended position,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a pointing device 10 isshown. The pointing device 10 includes a central housing 12. The centralhousing 12 contains additional parts, discussed in detail below. Thepointing device 10 also includes a sleeve 14 which fits over a portionof central housing 12. Sleeve 14 is rotatable about a portion of thecentral housing, and is also slidable along a length of the centralhousing 12. Sleeve 14 is supported by bushings 18 a and 18 b. Sleeve 14includes a grip 16. The central housing 12, sleeve 14, bushings 18 a and18 b and casing 16 comprise a roller assembly, described in detailbelow. Also shown are portions 26 a and 26 b of a housing which supportsthe roller assembly. Also shown is wrist support 28.

FIG. 2 provides a transparent housing view of the roller assembly andhousing. Shown are switches 30 a, 30 b and 30 c. Here the switches areshown as snap switches, however other types of switches (e.g., proximityswitches) could also be used. Switch 30 a is used to detect downwardmovement of the roller assembly and carriage, when a user pushes down onthe roller assembly to initiate an action referred to as a “mouseclick”. As described below, the carriage and roller assembly are movablewith respect to the base.

Switches 30 b and 30 c are limit switches and are used to detect whenthe sleeve 14 has reached the end of its potential horizontal movementalong central housing 12 in either a left direction (switch 30 b) or aright direction (switch 30 c).

Referring now to FIG. 3, the carriage and roller assembly are shown.Carriage 24 includes end pieces 22 a and 22 b. End piece 22 a includes apivot 32 a, and end piece 22 b includes a pivot 32 b. The pivots fitwithin holes in the base and permit movement of the carriage and rollerassembly with respect to the base.

FIG. 4 shows the roller assembly. The roller assembly includes a centralhousing 12. The central housing 12 contains additional parts, discussedin detail below. Also shown is a sleeve 14 which fits over a portion ofcentral housing 12. Sleeve 14 is rotatable about a portion of thecentral housing, and is also slidable along a length of the centralhousing 12. Sleeve 14 is supported on central housing 12 by bushings 18a and 18 b which allow the rotational and sliding movement of the sleevewith respect to the central housing. While central housing 12 is shownas generally tubular in the drawings, the central housing could alsoinclude shapes having a generally circular cross-section; across-section having at least one flat surface and at least one curvedsurface, and a cross-section having at least three rounded corners.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of a section of theroller assembly is shown. A sensor 40 is paced within central housing12. The sensor 40 is shown as a laser sensor, though other types ofsensors, including but not limited to an optical sensor or a rollerball,could also be used. Also shown is an aperture 42 in central housing 12,through which the sensor can detect movement of the sleeve with respectto the central housing.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of an end section of theroller assembly is shown. A limit switch 50 is shown mounted withincentral housing 12 and supported by switch bracket 58. Switch 50 ismounted on circuit board 52. Switch 50 in this example is a mechanicalswitch and includes a plunger 54. Plunger 54 is in mechanicalcommunication with bumper 56. In use, when the sleeve extends near theend of the central housing, the sleeve will engage bumper 56 which willcause plunger 54 to be driven into switch 50.

In a particular embodiment, a mode referred to herein as “power scroll”can be entered. When the sleeve is at or near the end of travel on oneside or the other of the central housing, a power scroll mode inentered, wherein the sleeve can be used as a scroll wheel to quicklyscroll through a document. Moving the sleeve away from the end of thecentral housing results in exiting the power scroll mode.

Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of a pointing device 110 isshown. The pointing device 110 includes a central housing 112 comprisestwo pieces 112 a and 112 b which are removably attachable to each other.The central housing 112 contains additional parts, discussed in detailbelow. The pointing device 110 also includes a sleeve 114 which fitsover a portion of central housing 112. Sleeve 114 is rotatable about aportion of the central housing, and is also slidable along a length ofthe central housing 112. Pointing device 110 communicates with acomputer or similar device by way of cable 116.

FIG. 8 shows a sleeve 114. In one embodiment the sleeve 114 is flexibleand is made from plastic, cloth, paper or other material, wherein thesleeve takes the shape of the central housing when installed surroundinga portion of the housing. Lu another particular embodiment the sleeve ismade from a rigid material. The sleeve may be provided with indiciaprinted thereon, and the sleeve may be replaceable by the user whereinthe user replaces a sleeve with another sleeve.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a central housing 112 is shown. In thisembodiment central housing 112 is comprised of two pieces, a top piece112 a and a bottom piece 112 b which are removably attached to eachother. The central housing 112 contains the sensor 140, which is capableof detecting movement of the sleeve with respect to the central housing112. The central housing also includes the circuit for communicating thedata from the sensor to the computer.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the pointing device 110 is shown including abase comprised of two parts 120 a and 120 b. The base supports thecentral housing 112 such that sleeve 114 is capable of moving about thecentral housing.

FIGS. 11-13 show some of the components internal to central housing 112.Internal components not shown in these views include a sensor, acircuit, and at least one switch. Referring now to FIG. 11 a section ofthe central housing is shown in cut-away. The sleeve 114 surrounds upperportion of central housing 112 a and the lower portion of centralhousing 112 b. Also shown are springs 122 a and 122 b. The springs 122 aand 122 b bias upper portion of central housing 112 a away from lowerportion of central housing 112 b, resulting in a gap 130 between the twoportions of central housing 112. Maintaining the two portions of centralhousing together is screw 124 a. The gap 130 allows the top portion tobe pushed down and can activate a switch (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 12, the central housing is shown in cut-away. Thesleeve 114 surrounds a section of upper portion of central housing 112 aand the lower portion of central housing 112 b. Also shown are springs122 a and 122 b. The springs 122 a and 122 b bias upper portion ofcentral housing 112 a away from lower portion of central housing 112 b,resulting in a gap 130 between the two portions of central housing 112.Maintaining the two portions of central housing together are screws 124a, 124 b and 124 c. The gap 130 allows the top portion to be pushed downand can activate a switch (not shown).

In a particular embodiment a switch is disposed proximate screw 124 band another switch is disposed proximate screw 124 c. The switchadjacent screw 124 b would be activated when a user pushed down on theend of central housing section 112 a near the switch to emulate theaction of a user right-clicking a conventional mouse switch. Similarly,the switch adjacent screw 124 c would be activated when a user pusheddown on the end of central housing section 112 a near the switch toemulate the action of a user left-clicking a conventional mouse switch.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an exploded view of the pointing device 112 isshown. The sleeve 114 surrounds upper portion of central housing 112 aand the lower portion of central housing 112 b. Also shown are springs122 a and 122 b. The springs 122 a and 122 b bias upper portion ofcentral housing 112 a away from lower portion of central housing 112 b,resulting in a gap between the two portions of central housing 112.Maintaining the two portions of central housing together are screws 124a, 124 b and 124 c. The gap 130 allows the top portion to be pushed downand can activate a switch (not shown). Also shown are base pieces 120 aand 120 b and cable 116.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 a through 14 c, various views of flexureassemblies 150 a and 150 b are shown. As shown in FIG. 14 a, each end ofthe inner-sensor pointing device includes a respective flexure assembly.The inner-sensor pointing device is supported by the flexure assemblies150 a and 150 b. Downward pressure applied by a user to the inner-sensorpointing device results in the flexure assemblies registering a“primary” click, similar to a left mouse click on conventional mousedevices. The downward pressure can be applied at any location on theinner-sensor pointing device and will register.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 b and 14 c a view of the flexure assembly 150a is shown. In this embodiment flexure assembly 150 a includes a flexure152, which is secured to a base (not shown) by attachment device (e.g.,a screw) 154. The attachment device secures one end of the flexure tothe base, while the remainder of the flexure assembly 150 a supports theremainder of the inner-sensor pointing device.

Flexure 152 is made of a deformable material, and has a “dog-bone”shaped opening extending there through. When a user applies a downwardforce to the inner-sensor pointing device, flexure 152 of flexureassembly flexes, such that the parts 158 and 160 of proximity switch arebrought closer together. When enough downward pressure has been appliedby a user to the inner-sensor pointing device, the proximity switch(either alone or in combination with another proximity switch) detectsthe change in position and indicates a primary click event has occurred.

Also shown is a circuit board 156 including a proximity switch in thisexample is a Hall-effect device which includes a sensor 158 and a magnet160. The sensor outputs a signal based on how close the sensor 158 is tomagnet 160. The closer they are, the sensor outputs a larger voltage.Once a certain threshold voltage is reached, a primary click isdetermined to have happened. The sensor can be used to provide an audiofeedback (e.g., a click sound) to the user to indicate a primary clickoperation has occurred. In this embodiment, the outputs of the sensor ofproximity switch 150 a and the output of proximity switch 150 b areadded together, and when the sum of the outputs exceeds a predeterminedthreshold, a primary click operation has occurred. Alternately, eachproximity switch could be used independently; to determine when a rightclick operation has occurred and when a left click operation hasoccurred.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 a-b an embodiment of a pointing device 200incorporating a pair of leaf springs 202 a and 202 b is shown. Theroller assembly comprising central housing 12, sleeve 14, bushings 18 aand 18 are supported by leaf springs 202 a and 202 b, which are locatedproximate the ends of central housing 12. When a force is applied by theuser in a generally downward direction on the roller assembly, the leafsprings deflect. The downward movement triggers one or more switchesindicating that a “click” operation is underway. This click operationmay be used, for example, to perform a drag and drop operation with thepointing device. A typical downward force (also referred to as a “pickforce”) to achieve the click operation is generally 50 to 120 grams offorce, though this could be adjusted to achieve an optimal requiredforce. As shown in FIG. 15 b, a lobe 204 is used to perform the pickforce adjustment.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 a-d an embodiment of a pointing device 210incorporating a pair of solenoids 214 a and 214 b is shown. Eachsolenoid 214 a and 214 b include a respective plunger 218 a and 218 b,coil 220 a and 220 b and plunger return spring 222 a and 222 b. Theroller assembly comprising central housing 12, sleeve 14, bushings 18 aand 18 are supported by solenoids 214 a and 214 b, which are locatedproximate the ends of central housing 12 and are in mechanicalcommunication with leaf springs 212 a and 212 b. When a force is appliedby the user in a generally downward direction on the roller assembly,the solenoid plunger(s) deflect as do leaf springs 221 a and 22 b. Theamount of force required can be adjusted by leaf spring force adjustment224. The downward movement triggers one or more switches indicating thata click operation is underway. Also shown in FIG. 16 d is a cover 216,which surrounds portions of the inner sensor pointing hardware andprotects the pieces from dust, dirt, moisture and the like as well asproviding various alternate switch layouts. Different covers anddifferent switch layouts could also be included.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 a-b an embodiment of an inner sensor pointingdevice 220 incorporating a pair of leaf springs 222 a and 222 b isshown. The roller assembly comprising central housing 12, sleeve 14,bushings 18 a and 18 are supported by leaf springs 202 a and 202 b,which are located proximate the ends of central housing 12. When a forceis applied by the user in a generally downward direction on the rollerassembly, the leaf springs deflect. The downward movement triggers oneor more switches 224 a and 224 b (located externally from the rollerassembly) indicating that a click operation is underway.

FIGS. 18 a and 18 b show a further embodiment which comprises a keyboardtray 302 with an integral sensor pointing device 304. The embodimentshown in FIG. 18 a attaches over a desk or stand, while the embodimentshown in FIG. 18 b attaches under a desk or stand. A keyboard 306 can bepositioned on the keyboard tray 302 and adjacent the pointing device304. The keyboard tray is in mechanical communication with a desk orstand by way of keyboard tray arm 308 which allows for positioning ofthe keyboard tray 302 and pointing device 304 at an optimal location bythe user.

FIGS. 19 a and 19 b show a further embodiment which comprises a keyboardtray 302 with a pointing device and wrist support assembly 312. Thepointing device and wrist support assembly 312 includes a pointingdevice 314 and a wrist support 316. The embodiment shown in FIG. 19 aattaches over a desk or stand, while the embodiment shown in FIG. 19 battaches under a desk or stand. A keyboard 306 can be positioned on thekeyboard tray 302 and adjacent the pointing device and wrist supportassembly 312. The keyboard tray is in mechanical communication with adesk or stand by way of keyboard tray arm 308 which allows forpositioning of the keyboard tray 302 and pointing device 304 at anoptimal location by the user

Referring now to FIG. 20A, a first embodiment of a pointing device 400is shown. The pointing device 400 includes a central housing 412. Thecentral housing 412 contains additional parts, discussed in detailbelow. While central housing 412 is shown as generally tubular in thedrawings, the central housing could also include shapes having agenerally circular cross-section; a cross-section having at least oneflat surface and at least one curved surface; and a cross-section havingat least three rounded comers.

The pointing device 400 also includes a sleeve 414 which fits over aportion of central housing 412. Sleeve 414 is rotatable about a portionof the central housing, and is also slidable along a length of thecentral housing 412. Sleeve 414 may be supported by bushings 436 a and436 b. Sleeve 414 may also include a grip.

The inner sensor pointing device 400 in this embodiment includes asensor 430 mounted in a sensor housing 432 attached to a circuit board416. The sensor 430 is shown as a laser sensor, though other types ofsensors, including but not limited to an optical sensor or a rollerball,could also be used. A retainer spring 434 maintains the circuit board416 within the central housing 412, in conjunction with first stud 424and second stud 458. Also included are first end sensor 418 and secondend sensor 450. A downward force provided by the user triggers pickswitch 440. The amount of force necessary to trigger pick switch 440 isadjustable by operation of pick adjuster 442 in conjunction with firstspring 444 and second spring 446. A cover 428 surrounds various piecesof the inner sensor pointing device.

FIG. 20B depicts a cross-sectional view of a left hand portion of theinner sensor pointing device 400 a. The central housing 412 has anopening which permits the central housing to rest on a pivot 426. Whenthe sleeve 414 is pressed downward, the sleeve 414 and central housing412 pivots about the pivot 426 to emulate the action of a userperforming a “primary” click operation, similar to a left-clicking of aconventional mouse switch. This click operation may be used, forexample, to perform a drag and drop operation with the pointing device.A typical downward force (also referred to as a “pick force”) to achievethe click operation is generally 50 to 120 grams of force, though thiscould be adjusted by a user to achieve an optimal required force.

The central housing has a printed circuit board 416 disposed entirelywithin. Located between the circuit board 416 and the central housing isa block 402 which is held in mechanical communication with circuit board416 by first stud 424.

Also shown is the first end sensor 418 which includes a transmitter 420,a receiver 422 and a divider 424, In operation, the first end sensor 418detects when the sleeve 414 has been moved so that the sleeve 414 coversthe end sensor 418. When the sleeve is not covering the end sensor 418,light from transmitter 420 travels through the conical shaped cavity andpasses through the opening at the distal end thereof. The light travelsdown to a table, desk or other support structure and is reflected backoutside of the opening in the cavity. The conical shape of the cavity isdefined such that the light from the transmitter is focused so the lightdoes not reflect back into the central housing when the sleeve is notcovering the central housing. As such, receiver 422 does not detect thelight therefore the sleeve is not positioned over the end sensor 418.When the sleeve 414 is moved such that the sleeve 414 covers the openingat the end of the conical cavity, the light from transmitter 420 isreflected back inside the conical cavity and is detected by receiver422, indicating the presence of the sleeve 414 covering the end sensor418. The divider 424 is optional and may be used to prevent theoccurrence of cross talk, wherein the receiver would other-wise detectthe fight from transmitter 420. The end sensor 418 is shown in thisembodiment as an optical type sensor. The receiver 422 could alternatelybe placed outside of the central housing 412 and use through-beamdetection to detect when the sleeve 414 has been moved past the endsensor 418. While an optical end sensor is shown, it should beappreciated that other sensors or switches could also be used (e.g., aproximity switch, a hall-effect sensor, a capacitive switch or sensor).One advantage of using an optical end sensor is that the user doesn'tfeel the end of travel of the sleeve 414. The end sensor 418 provides aspeed adjustment of the pointer on the display with respect to movementof the sleeve 414 about the central housing 412. Before the end sensordetects movement of the sleeve 414 past the end sensor 418, a givenamount of sleeve movement correlates to a given amount of pointermovement on a display. Once the end sensor 418 detects the presence ofthe sleeve 414, a larger amount of pointer movement is provided for asame given amount of sleeve movement.

Referring now to FIG. 20C, a central portion 400 b of the inner sensorpointing device is shown. A sensor 430 is shown disposed on circuitboard 416 and is secured in place by sensor housing 432. In a particularembodiment the sensor is realized as a laser sensor, though otherembodiments could use different types of sensors. The sensor is used todetect any rotational and/or sliding movement of the sleeve 414 withrespect to the central housing 412. A retainer spring 434 is used tobias the sensor 430 and sensor housing 432 in place within centralhousing 412. A portion of the sensor housing 432 extends into anaperture within the central housing 412 such that the sensor 430 candetect movement of sleeve 414, and is locked in place by operation ofretainer spring 434.

Referring now to FIG. 20D, a cross-sectional view of a right hand potionof the inner sensor pointing device 400 c is shown. Similar to the lefthand side described with respect to FIG. 1B, located between the circuitboard 416 and the central housing is a block 448 which is held inmechanical communication with circuit board 416 by second stud 458. Alsoshown is the second end sensor 450 which includes a transmitter 452, areceiver 454 and a divider 456. In operation, the second end sensor 450detects when the sleeve 414 has been moved so that the sleeve 414 coversthe end sensor 450. When the sleeve is not covering the end sensor 450,light from transmitter 452 travels through the conical shaped cavity andpasses through the opening at the distal end thereof. The light travelsdown to a table or desk and is reflected back outside of the opening inthe cavity. The conical shape is defined such that the light from thetransmitter is focused so the light does not reflect back into thecentral housing when the sleeve is not covering the central housing. Assuch, receiver 454 does not detect the light—therefore the sleeve is notpositioned over the end sensor 450. When the sleeve is moved such thatthe sleeve covers the opening at the end of the conical cavity, thelight from transmitter 452 is reflected back inside the conical cavityand is detected by receiver 454, indicating the presence of the sleevecovering the end sensor. The divider 456 is optional and is used toprevent the occurrence of cross talk, wherein the receiver 454 wouldotherwise detect the light from transmitter 452. Each end sensor (418 ofFIG. 1B and 450 of FIG. 1D) are shown displaced a predetermined distancealong the central housing 412 from the ends of the sleeve 414 when thesleeve 414 is at a dead center location on the central housing 412. Thisis done to allow for a certain amount of pointer movement before anaccelerated pointer movement is utilized. Alternately, the end sensors418 and 450 could be placed so that they are adjacent the ends of thesleeve 414 when the sleeve 414 is at dead center, to help center thedetection and location of the sleeve 414 along the central housing 412.

A pick adjuster assembly is shown, which includes a pick adjuster 442, afirst spring 444 and a second spring 446. When the sleeve 414 is presseddownwardly, the sleeve 414 and central housing 412 pivot about the pivotand activate the pick switch 440. The amount of force necessary toactivate the pick switch is adjustable by operation of pick adjuster 442which is in communication with first spring 444. The first spring 444 isconnected at one end to the stud which is attached to block 448, whilethe other end is in mechanical communication with second spring 446. Thesecond spring 446 has a first end in communication with the first spring444, while the other end is attached to a block. The pick adjuster 442is movable in a horizontal direction which results in a change in theamount of force required to trigger pick switch 440. This isparticularly useful when performing different operations with the innersenor based pointing device. When a user is performing severaldrag-and-drop operations, it may be desirable to have the pick force sethigh such that elements are not unintentionally dropped while beingdragged. On the other hand, when a user is performing several click typeoperations with little or no dragging operations, it may be desirable tohave the pick force set low such that it is relatively easy to pickobjects.

FIG. 21 depicts an isometric view of the inner sensor pointing device400. As shown, cover 428 covers a portion of central housing 412 andsleeve 414 as well as pick adjuster 442.

In another embodiment the pointing device is comprised of a hollow tubehaving a sleeve disposed surrounding a portion of the tube, wherein thesleeve is rotatable in part about at least a portion of the tube andwherein the sleeve is slidable along a generally horizontal axis aboutthe portion of the tube. The pointing device further includes a sensordisposed along a surface of the tube, the sleeve positioned surroundingthe sensor, and wherein the sensor is capable of detecting movement ofthe sleeve relative to the tube.

In still another embodiment, the pointing device includes a centralhousing having an aperture, the central housing having a generallytubular form and a sleeve disposed surrounding a portion of the centralhousing, wherein the sleeve can concurrently (i) rotate about theportion of the central housing and (ii) slide along a generallyhorizontal axis about the portion of the central housing. The pointingdevice further includes a sensor disposed in the central housing andaligned with the aperture, the sleeve positioned surrounding the sensor,and wherein the sensor is capable of concurrently detecting (iii)rotational movement of the sleeve relative to the central housing andhorizontal movement of the sleeve relative to the central housing.Additionally, the pointing device includes a circuit in communicationwith the sensor, the circuit capable of transmitting data to a computerregarding the rotational movement and horizontal movement.

In a particular embodiment, a mode referred to herein as “power scroll”can be entered. When the sleeve is at or near the end of travel on oneside or the other of the central housing, a power scroll mode isentered. Wherein the sleeve can be used as a scroll wheel to quicklyscroll through a document. Moving the sleeve away from the end of thecentral housing results in exiting the power scroll mode.

FIG. 22 a comprises a cross-sectional view of a keyboard platformassembly 500. A keyboard platform 510 is shown supporting a keyboard502. Also shown is a pointing device 504, which rests on a lip of thekeyboard platform 510. Both the keyboard platform 510 and the pointingdevice 504 rest on a table, desk or similar support structure 512.Keyboard platform 510 includes a front keyboard platform riser 506, in aclosed (lowest) position. Keyboard platform 510 further includes a rearkeyboard platform riser 508, also shown in a dosed position.

FIG. 22 b comprises a cross-sectional view of a keyboard platformassembly having keyboard platform risers in an open position. In thisexample, front keyboard platform riser 506 has been extended into anopen position, as has rear keyboard platform riser 508. As such, thekeyboard platform 510 has been relocated to a position above table 512.The keyboard 514 here is a lower profile keyboard than keyboard 502 inFIG. 22 a, and needs to be raised in order to provide a comfortableworking position for the user when used with the pointing device 504.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 a-23 e a particular embodiment of a keyboardplatform riser 520 is shown. In FIG. 23 a, a top isometric view ofkeyboard platform riser 520 is shown in a closed position. A lip 522extends from a first end of the keyboard platform riser 520, In FIG. 23b, a top isometric view of the keyboard platform riser 520 is shown inan open position. A first end of the keyboard platform riser 520includes an extended lip 524 protruding from the first end and a leg 526extending from a second end.

FIG. 23 c shows an isometric bottom view of the keyboard platform riser520. In this view the lip 522 can be seen as well as the closed extendedlip 524. The second end includes a closed leg 526 and a closed extendedleg 528. FIG. 23 d shows an isometric bottom view of the keyboardplatform riser 520 having a first end in a closed position and thesecond end having a leg 526 in an open position. FIG. 23 e depicts anisometric bottom view of the keyboard platform riser 520 wherein thefirst end has the extended lip 524 in an open position and a second endhaving the extended leg 528 in the open position.

Referring now to FIGS. 24 a-f, side views of the keyboard platform 550in a variety of settings are shown. In FIG. 24 a the keyboard platform550 is shown in a lowered position. In FIG. 24 b the keyboard platform550 is shown having a front keyboard platform risers in a closedposition and rear keyboard platform risers 554 in an open position,while FIG. 24 c shows the keyboard platform 550 having front keyboardplatform risers in a closed position and the rear keyboard risers 556 inan open and extended position.

In FIG. 24 d the keyboard platform 550 is shown with the front keyboardplatform risers 558 in an open position below lip 552. The rear keyboardplatform risers are in a closed position. In FIG. 24 e the keyboardplatform 550 is shown having the front keyboard platform risers in anopen position and rear keyboard platform risers 554 in an open position,while FIG. 24 f shows the keyboard platform 550 having front keyboardplatform risers in an open position and the rear keyboard risers 556 inan open and extended position.

Unless otherwise stated, use of the word “substantially” may beconstrued to include a precise relationship, condition, arrangement,orientation, and/or other characteristic, and deviations thereof asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art, to the extent that suchdeviations do not materially affect the disclosed methods and systems.

As described above, certain embodiments include an inner sensor, whileother embodiments can include an inner sensor or an external sensor.While the embodiments described above utilize the pointing device in anorientation wherein left-to-right movement of the sleeve results in acorresponding left-to-right movement of the pointer on a display andwherein rotation of the sleeve results in up-and-down movement of thepointer on the display, alternate orientations could also be used. Onesuch alternate orientation is one wherein rotation of the sleeve resultsin a corresponding left-to-right movement of the pointer on a displayand wherein front-to-back or up-and-down movement of the sleeve resultsin up-and-down movement of the pointer on the display.

In some embodiments, when a downward force is applied to the sleeve toaffect a click operation, an audible click sound may be supplied toprovide the user with an audible feedback affirming the operation. Thesound could be provided by a piezoelectric device or a voice coil,positioned internal or external to the central housing.

Throughout the entirety of the present disclosure, use of the articles“a” or “an” to modify a noun may be understood to be used forconvenience and to include one, or more than one of the modified noun,unless otherwise specifically stated.

Elements, components, modules, and/or parts thereof that are describedand/or otherwise portrayed through the figures to communicate with, beassociated with, and/or be based on, something else, may be understoodto so communicate, be associated with, and or be based on in a directand/or indirect manner, unless otherwise stipulated herein.

Although the methods and systems have been described relative to aspecific embodiment thereof, they are not so limited. Obviously manymodifications and variations may become apparent in :light of the aboveteachings. Many additional changes in the details, materials, andarrangement of parts, herein described and illustrated, may be made bythose skilled in the art.

Having described preferred embodiments of the invention it will nowbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that otherembodiments incorporating these concepts may be used. Accordingly, it issubmitted that that the invention should not be limited to the describedembodiments but rather should be limited only by the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A pointing device comprising: a central housing; asleeve disposed to fit over a portion of the central housing, whereinthe sleeve is rotatable about the central housing and wherein the sleeveis slideable along a generally horizontal axis of the central housing; asensor disposed within the central housing, wherein the sensor isconfigured to detect rotational movement of the sleeve relative to thesensor and wherein the sensor is configured to detect axial movement ofthe sleeve relative to the sensor; a support supporting the centralhousing, the support allowing downward movement of the central housingwhen a user pushes down on the sleeve to initiate a click operation; andat least one switch arranged to detect the downward movement of one ofthe sleeve and the central housing.
 2. The pointing device of claim 1,further comprising a circuit in communication with the sensor, thecircuit capable of transmitting data to a processor regarding thedetected movement of the sleeve.
 3. The pointing device of claim 2,wherein the circuit comprises a circuit board disposed within thecentral housing.
 4. The pointing device of claim 1, further comprisingat least one end sensor capable of detecting movement of the sleevebeyond a predetermined location of the central housing.
 5. The pointingdevice according to claim 4, wherein the at least one end sensor ischosen from an optical sensor, a hall effect sensor, and a capacitivesensor.
 6. The pointing device according to claim 4, wherein the sensorand the at least one end sensor are mounted on a common circuit boarddisposed within the central housing.
 7. The pointing device of claim 1,further comprising at least one bushing disposed between the sleeve andthe central housing.
 8. The pointing device of claim 1, wherein thesleeve is comprised of a flexible material selected from the groupconsisting of metal, plastic, rubber, cloth and paper.
 9. The pointingdevice of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is configured to conform to ashape of the central housing.
 10. The pointing device of claim 1, thesupport comprises at least one spring disposed between a base and thecentral housing.
 11. The pointing device of claim 10, wherein the atleast one spring is located proximate an end of the central housing. 12.The pointing device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is aligned with anaperture in the central housing such that light provided by the sensoris directed through the aperture and directed upon a section of asurface of the sleeve exposed through the aperture.
 13. The pointingdevice according to claim 1, wherein said support comprises a pivotdisposed beneath a portion of said central housing, wherein an openingin said central housing fits over a top section of said pivot such thatsaid central housing is capable of pivoting about said pivot.
 14. Thepointing device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one switchcomprises a pick switch, the pointing device further comprising a pickadjuster assembly, said pick adjuster assembly in communication withsaid pick switch, said pick adjuster assembly including a pick adjustermovable by a user to select a required force for triggering said pickswitch.
 15. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein saidsupport comprises a carriage, said carriage supporting said centralhousing between end pieces of said carriage, wherein the end piecescomprise respective pivots fitted within holes in a base to permitmovement of said carriage with respect to said base.
 16. The pointingdevice according to claim 1, wherein said support comprises at least oneflexure secured to a base and supporting said central housing, whereinsaid flexure is made of a deformable material.
 17. The pointing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said support comprises at least onesolenoid, said at least one solenoid supporting said central housing.18. The pointing device of claim 18, wherein each of said at least onesolenoid comprises a plunger, a coil surrounding at least a portion ofsaid plunger, and a plunger return spring.
 19. A pointing devicecomprising: a roller assembly, the roller assembly comprising: a centralhousing in the form of a hollow tube, the tubular central housing havingan aperture being provided in a surface of said tubular central housing;a sleeve disposed to fit over a portion of said tubular central housingby bushings, said bushings allowing said sleeve to rotate about saidportion of said tubular central housing and to slide along a generallyhorizontal axis about said portion of said tubular central housing; asensor within said tubular central housing, said sensor being positionedproximate to and aligned with said aperture, said sleeve positionedsurrounding said sensor, and wherein said sensor is capable of detectingrotational movement of said sleeve relative to said tubular centralhousing and wherein said sensor is capable of detecting axial movementof said sleeve relative to said tubular central housing; and a circuitcomprising a circuit board contained within said tubular central housingin communication with said sensor, said circuit capable of transmittingdata to a computer regarding said movement of said sleeve; and a supportsupporting the roller assembly at the ends of the central housing, thesupport allowing downward movement of the roller assembly when a userpushes down on the roller assembly to initiate a click operation; and atleast one switch arranged to detect the downward movement of the rollerassembly.
 20. The pointing device of claim 19, wherein said sensor isselected from the group consisting of a laser sensor and an opticalsensor.
 21. The pointing device according to claim 19, furthercomprising at least one end sensor arranged within said central housing,said end sensor capable of detecting contactless detection of movementof said sleeve beyond a predetermined location on said central housing.22. The pointing device according to claim 21, wherein said at least oneend sensor is an optical sensor, a hall effect sensor or a capacitivesensor.
 23. The pointing device according to claim 19, wherein saidsupport comprises a pivot disposed beneath a portion of said centralhousing, wherein an opening in said central housing fits over a topsection of said pivot such that said central housing is capable ofpivoting about said pivot.
 24. The pointing device according to claim19, wherein said at least one switch comprises a pick switch, thepointing device further comprising a pick adjuster assembly, said pickadjuster assembly in communication with said pick switch, said pickadjuster assembly including a pick adjuster movable by a user to selecta required force for triggering said pick switch.
 25. The pointingdevice according to claim 19, wherein said sleeve is comprised of aflexible material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic,rubber, cloth and paper, and wherein said sleeve conforms to a shape ofsaid central housing.
 26. The pointing device according to claim 19,wherein said support comprises a carriage, said carriage supporting saidcentral housing between end pieces of said carriage, wherein the endpieces comprise respective pivots fitted within holes in a base topermit movement of said carriage with respect to said base.
 27. Thepointing device according to claim 19, wherein said support comprises atleast one flexure secured to a base and supporting said central housing,wherein said flexure is made of a deformable material.
 28. The pointingdevice according to claim 19, wherein said support comprises at leastone leaf spring disposed between a base and an end of said centralhousing.
 29. The pointing device according to claim 19, wherein saidsupport comprises at least one solenoid, said at least one solenoidsupporting said central housing.
 30. The pointing device of claim 29,wherein each of said at least one solenoid comprises a plunger, a coilsurrounding at least a portion of said plunger, and a plunger returnspring.